The United States on Thursday updated the travel alert for its citizens, alerting that foreigners might come under terrorist attacks, especially in large gatherings, in Bangladesh.“The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the ongoing potential for extremist violence in Bangladesh. This Travel Alert supersedes the 10 November 2015 alert and expires on 1 May 2016,” said a travel alert posted on the website of the US Embassy in Dhaka.“Reports suggest that terrorist attacks could occur against foreigners in Bangladesh, especially in large gatherings,” it said.It said since September 2015, Bangladesh has experienced a series of increasingly sophisticated violent attacks, stated the alert, adding that these include the murders of two foreign nationals, as well as bombs and other attacks against gatherings of religious groups and security forces.
“The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) publicly claimed credit for many of these attacks. Additionally, groups saying they represent Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) claimed responsibility for a series of threats and terrorist attacks targeting writers, publishers, and others in the media, including the murder of a U.S. citizen blogger,” said the alert.“The U.S. government assesses that the terrorist threat remains real and credible, and further attacks are possible,” it said.“The Government of Bangladesh has taken steps to pursue extremists and strengthen security, and thousands of U.S. citizens visit each year without incident. Nevertheless, U.S. citizens should take precautions, remain vigilant, and be alert to local security developments,” said the alert.It also said that although US government officials in Bangladesh continue to conduct official business without incident, US government officials and their families currently are not permitted to visit many public places, travel on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, rickshaw, or other uncovered means on public thoroughfares and sidewalks and attend attend large gatherings in Bangladesh, including events at international hotels.“The Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to adopt similar security measures,” it added.
